Platts to reflect new MARPOL 2012 bunker spec

Platts intends to reflect new bunker fuel specifications set out by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) in global bunker fuel assessments.

Under amendments to Annex VI of the convention, which are effective from January 1, 2012, high sulfur bunker fuel supplied at major global bunkering locations must contain a maximum of 3.5% sulfur, down from the current maximum sulfur content of 4.5%.

Platts bunker fuel assessments will reflect the lower sulfur standard as the delivery periods assessed start to reflect bunkering dates from January 1.

Most Platts assessments for the delivered bunker market reflect supplies to be done between three and seven days after the date of the assessment publication.

During a transitional period, when assessed supply dates straddle January 1, Platts' published assessments will reflect the 4.5% and 3.5% sulfur maximum standards, on a prorated basis.

Ex-wharf Singapore bunker assessments will start to reflect the reduced sulfur specification from December 19.

US West Coast bunker assessments will start to reflect the new specification from December 22.

Delivered bunker assessments in Asia Pacific (including delivered Singapore), the Middle East, the US Gulf Coast, the US Atlantic Coast and Latin America will start to reflect low sulfur specifications from December 27.

All European ex-wharf and delivered high sulfur bunker fuel assessments will start reflecting maximum 3.5% sulfur specifications from December 28.

Please send comments and questions to oilgroup@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com by November 18.